The name 'Aquamarine' is derived from the Latin phrase for seawater, signifying its deep connection with the ocean. As the designated birthstone for March, it carries a rich history of being perceived as a symbol of marital joy and a protective charm for sailors navigating the high seas. This gemstone, with its sea-inspired name and beneficial associations, truly embodies an authentic beauty.
Let's delve deeper into the fascinating world of Aquamarine, a stunning gemstone with a unique green-blue to blue hue. This gem is a variety of the mineral Beryl, which carries the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18. Interestingly, another famous gem, the Emerald, also falls under the Beryl family. Aquamarine is quite durable with a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8.0 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a perfect choice for high-quality jewellery.
One of the exciting features of Aquamarine is its growth pattern. It forms in a hexagonal crystal system, resulting in beautiful six-sided crystals, some of which can reach up to a foot in length. But the intrigue doesn't stop there. Aquamarine has a property known as dichroism. This means that it can display two distinct colours depending on the angle you view it from. This unique attribute adds to the gemstone's allure and mystique.
Aquamarine, a gemstone of exceptional quality, is globally recognized for its large crystals. These crystals exhibit a notable potential for size, as demonstrated by the heaviest specimen ever found, tipping the scales at 110 kg. This significant specimen was discovered in Brazil in 1910, highlighting the natural growth process of this gemstone. The global prevalence of these sizeable crystals emphasizes the extensive distribution of Aquamarine, further solidifying its intriguing status in the field of gemmology.
Aquamarines are cherished for their striking colour, and preferences can vary among individuals. Some may be drawn to aquamarines with a greenish-blue hue, a shade that can evoke calmness and serenity. Others, however, might be more attracted to aquamarines that have been heat treated to achieve a more intense, pure blue colour. This process enhances the vibrancy of the stone, giving it a captivating radiance that's hard to resist. When it comes to the clarity of these gems, most faceted aquamarines are 'eye-clean', meaning they appear free from inclusions or flaws to the naked eye. Despite this, it's not uncommon for these stones to contain liquid inclusions, which are essentially tiny pockets of fluid that got trapped within the crystal during its formation. These inclusions don't typically affect the overall beauty or value of the gem, but rather add to its unique character.